The investigation was conducted by: Shchipach - the anatomy of pickpocketing

The television program “The investigation was conducted with Leonid Kanevsky” became a cult not only due to the charisma of the host, but also for its deep immersion in the criminal psychology of the Soviet and post-Soviet era. A special place in the archives of the program is occupied by issues dedicated to pickpocketing, which featured dexterous tweezers capable of picking out a victim’s pocket in a split second. These stories are not just a chronicle of crimes, but a textbook on human carelessness and the ingenuity of thieves.

In one of the significant episodes of the investigation, the focus shifts to the so-called pluckers — criminals who specialize in stealing valuables directly from the clothes or bags of citizens in crowded places. Leonid Kanevsky masterfully demonstrates how banal carelessness and the gullibility of people became the main allies of criminals. Analysis of these cases reveals clear patterns of behavior that are still relevant today.

Understanding the mechanics of a tweezer is the first step to personal safety. Unlike robbers who use force or scammers who play on trust, the plucker relies on speed, manual dexterity and the ability to disguise himself as an ordinary passenger. Statistics show that more than 60% of pickpocketing occurs during peak hours on public transport. It is in a crowd, when bodies are pressed against each other, that it is easiest to quietly remove a wallet or phone.

In this article we will analyze in detail the methods described in the program, analyze psychological methods of distraction and draw up a set of rules that will help you not become a victim of a “circus performer” or “plucker” in a modern metropolis. The security of your personal belongings largely depends on your awareness.

Psychology and type of plucker

In the programs of the “Investigation Conducted” series, it is often emphasized that a shchipach is often not a bandit with a criminal past in the classical sense, but a person with a certain mentality and artistry. Many of them started out as magicians or circus performers, using illusion skills to commit crimes. Their weapon is not a knife, but finger dexterity and the ability to control the victim’s attention.

The psychological portrait of a typical shchipach, reconstructed on the basis of interviews with detainees, includes high resistance to stress and the ability to instantly assess the situation. They scan the crowd, looking for "markers" - people who look confused, are holding a bag casually, or are showing off expensive items. Eye contact with such people allows the criminal to understand how immersed the person is in his thoughts.

Often, pluckers act in groups, which significantly increases the efficiency of their work. While one is distracting, the other is stealing. The program showed schemes where the “distractor” could even be a child or a pregnant woman, which aroused less suspicion in the victim. Emotional shock or simple sympathy blocks vigilance.

• 🎭 Artistry: The ability to play the role of a confused passenger or, conversely, an aggressive person in order to evoke the desired reaction.
• 👀 Observation: Instant estimate of the value of a potential victim's clothing, watches and accessories.
• 🤝 Tactility: Using jostling to disguise touching the victim's clothing.
• ⚡ Speed: The extraction of valuables occurs faster than the victim’s brain can register the touch.

Classic distraction methods

The basis for the success of the plucked fish, as Leonid Kanevsky has repeatedly noted, lies in the correct distraction. The victim should not feel the moment of theft. To do this, decades-tested techniques are used that exploit basic human instincts: curiosity, fear, desire to help or sexual attraction.

One of the most common methods is creating an artificial conflict situation or stampede. On the subway or bus, an accomplice may step on your foot, drop a heavy bag, or start arguing loudly with someone next to you. At this moment, everyone, including the victim, instinctively turns their head towards the sound or movement. Right this second plucker silently unzips or pulls an item out of a pocket.

Another popular technique is “helping your neighbor.” The criminal may drop change, documents or keys right in front of you. While you bend down to help collect your things, his accomplice or himself (if acting alone) checks your pockets. The “dirty clothes” method is also often used: they discreetly spit on the victim’s back or shoulder, drop ice cream, or step on a shoe. Reflexively, a person reaches out with his hand to the area of ​​contamination, opening access to another pocket or bag.

⚠️ Attention: If in a crowded transport someone insistently points out something you have “dropped” or creates a fuss next to your bag, this could be a planned operation. Don't lose sight of your values.

There is also a "cover" method. The plucker can stand close to the victim, press his back or use bulky clothing (raincoat, jacket) to hide the movements of his hands. Underneath the hollow clothing or the large package that the thief is holding in his hands, all the “magic” happens. In such conditions tactile contact is perceived as the inevitability of a stampede, and not as an attempt to steal.

Theft Techniques

The technical side of tweezers is striking in its simplicity and efficiency. “The Investigation Conducted” often demonstrated the devices used by thieves: special tongs with a long handle, Velcro, hooks and even magnets. However, more often than not, they simply use fingers trained through years of practice.

A key skill is the ability to work “blindly”. The shchipach may hold a newspaper, a bag of groceries or a telephone in one hand, pretending to be a busy person, while the other hand works in the victim's pocket. It is important that the movements are not made with a jerk, but with a smooth stretching, synchronized with the rocking of the vehicle. This minimizes the risk that the victim will feel mechanical impact.

Particular attention is paid to working with bags. Women's handbags are often opened through unclosed flaps or using a blade that discreetly cuts the fabric in an inconspicuous place. Men's wallet pockets are often targeted due to the thin blade used to make the cut, or simply the dexterity of the fingers if the pocket is left unfastened.

There is a term “circus performer” - this is the highest aerobatics of pickpocketing. Such masters may take out your wallet while shaking your hand, or discreetly remove a chain from your neck. Their movements are honed to the point of automaticity, and often the victim finds out about the theft only a few minutes or hours later, when it is already too late.

High-risk areas

Analysis of the geography of crimes shown in the program clearly outlines risk areas. Shchipachi are social creatures; they live where there is a flow of people and a high concentration of values. Understanding these zones helps you move into a hyper-vigilance mode early on.

The undisputed leader is public transport during peak hours. Subways, buses, trams - here it is body to body, and it is almost impossible to track the hand of a thief. Particularly dangerous are the turnstiles at the entrance to the subway and the doors of cars at the moment of opening/closing, when the main crowd occurs.

The second place is occupied by crowded places: train stations, markets, large shopping centers and queues. In line, people often relax, take out their wallets to pay, and become easy targets. Markets are dangerous because it is customary to carry cash there, and the hustle and bustle between the rows is perceived as the norm.

Place	Risk level	Typical method	Goal
Metro (turnstile/doors)	Critical	Hustle, blocking passage	Wallet, phone
Markets and fairs	High	Distraction by a question, crowd in a row	Cash
Queues (cash register, ATM)	Medium	“Dropped the money”, a push in the back	Banknotes, card
Beaches and parks	Low/Medium	Theft while a person is distracted	Bag, gadgets

You should also be careful in places where mass celebrations, concerts and festivals are held. There is an atmosphere of fun and relaxation, which plays into the hands of criminals. Psychological relaxation in a festive crowd - the main enemy of safety.

Rules of protection and prevention

Knowing the methods of tweezers, it is easy to formulate rules of protection. The main one is perimeter control. You need to physically feel your items. If you are in transport, the bag should either be on your chest or firmly clamped between your legs, but not hanging on the back of your shoulder.

Never store all your valuables in one place. Use the principle of separation: some cash in an accessible pocket for small expenses, the main amount and cards in an internal pocket or in a special hiding place. A phone in the back pocket of your jeans is an invitation to a thief, especially if you are walking down the street or standing in the subway.

⚠️ Attention: If you are pushed in public transport, do not rush to apologize or clear the way. First, check the safety of your belongings. The instinctive “sorry” often plays into the hands of the criminal, creating the impression that you did not notice the theft or are afraid of conflict.

It is important to develop the habit of “scanning” the space. Don't look at your phone during rush hour. A raised head and a confident look often scare off the nippers, who are looking for easy victims. If someone comes suspiciously close or creates a fuss - distance yourself, even if you have to be impolite.

What to do if you notice a snapper?

If you notice that someone is trying to pick your pocket, do not enter into a fight alone unless you are confident in your abilities. Say “Hands up!” loudly and clearly, attracting the attention of others. In the subway, it is best to approach the driver or security guard. On the street - in a crowded place or store. The main thing is noise and public attention; this is what thieves fear most.

Analysis of real cases from the program

One of the episodes of “The Investigation was Conducted” talked about a gang operating in the Moscow metro in the 90s. They used child pluckers, who, thanks to their height and stealth, performed wonders of dexterity. Children sat down on the escalator, and while adult passengers admired the architecture of the stations or read newspapers, their pockets were emptied.

Another case concerned “tourists” who used complex technical devices. They used thin metal probes to hook and pull out the contents through a narrow gap in the zipper of the bag. Kanevsky emphasized that such “pros” were rarely caught right away, as they acted quickly and changed tactics. However, even their careers ended when greed overcame caution.

Of particular interest is the case of the “hypnotist,” who, according to the victims, “fascinated” with his gaze. The program experts explained this not as magic, but as technology neurolinguistic programming and gestures that capture attention. While the victim looked into the eyes of the “hypnotist,” his accomplice calmly took out the money.

Conclusion

The story of pinching told by Leonid Kanevsky is not just a crime chronicle, but a reminder of the need to be attentive. Crime evolves, but human nature and basic instincts remain the same. Shchipachi continue to hunt those who lose their vigilance in the flow of everyday life.

Anti-pickpocket protection does not require special forces or sophisticated equipment. It is enough to follow simple rules: keep things in sight, do not display valuables ostentatiously and do not lose your “common sense” in the crowd. Remember that your safety is primarily your responsibility.

Be vigilant, but not paranoid. Confident behavior and understanding of the working methods of tweezers will make you an “inconvenient” target, and the criminal will simply pass by, looking for easier prey.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How can I tell if someone is trying to rob me on the subway?

This is usually indicated by the unnatural proximity of a stranger, jostling for no apparent reason, the creation of artificial obstacles when entering/exiting, or intrusive questions that distract attention. If someone is constantly leaning against your bag, this is a red flag.

What should I do if my phone or wallet is stolen?

Immediately block your SIM card and bank cards through the bank application or by calling the operator. Contact the police to file a statement (this will be needed to restore documents and insurance). Turn on the device search feature if it is active.

Is it true that tweezers use hypnosis?

No, there is no scientific evidence for “hypnosis” in pickpocketing. This is either a skillful distraction (misdirection), or psychological pressure, or simply an effect when the victim, shocked by the loss, comes up with a mystical explanation for his carelessness.

Which is the safest bag to wear in transport?

The safest bags are small cross-body bags (over the shoulder), which are worn in the front and have a zipper adjacent to the body. It is better to wear backpacks in a crowd on your chest or constantly control them with your hand, since access to them from behind is open.

Is it possible to use force on a tweezer?

The law allows for self-defense, but in crowded traffic conditions this can lead to injury to others and legal problems. It’s better to loudly attract attention (“Stop the thief!”), block your hand, or call security/police. The main thing is not to let them escape with the loot.